3.5 minute read

HUDDLE

Good Morning, Readers,

Last week, I was on brownie duty for a gathering, which led me down a rabbit hole searching for the ultimate recipe. I found a clear winner that I highly recommend trying. Got a go-to brownie recipe? Send it our way!

During my deep dive into the science of brownies, I learned something interesting—cocoa powder comes in two types: Dutch-processed and natural. Dutch-processed cocoa is less acidic, which helps smooth out any bitterness. 

While on the hunt for the perfect Dutch-processed cocoa, I stumbled across Droste featuring a nurse on the label who has been showcased in their products from the early 1900’s. Turns out, nurses aren’t just the most trusted professionals—they might also be the gold standard for chocolate! 🍫

Today's Top Beats

🤔 Former ER Nurse’s Mysterious DOGE Role
🐭 Disease that Killed Hackman’s Wife

🎭 Improv for Dementia Patients

     This image was generated using AI

HANDOFF

Former ER Nurse’s Mysterious DOGE Role

A delayed diagnosis for her daughter’s rare autoimmune disease led former ER nurse Amy Gleason into healthcare technology. In a TEDx talk, she suggested that putting her daughter’s medical records on a single screen may have helped identify her condition sooner. Read how Gleason, who worked at the U.S. Digital Service during Trump’s first term, learned two weeks ago that she was named acting administrator of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency—when she thought she’d be vacationing in Mexico. However, President Trump has since said Musk is still in charge, shrouding this new appointment in mystery.

The Disease that Killed Hackman’s Wife

You have probably already heard about the tragic death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, who died of heart disease and Alzheimer’s just a week after his wife passed away. But are you familiar with the disease his wife (Betsy Arakawa) had? It was hantavirus, a sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mice and rats, typically through exposure to their urine, feces, or saliva. Learn more about this relatively rare but potentially very serious condition and how to avoid it.

Try Improv for Dementia Patients

Anyone who works with dementia patients knows the challenge of redirecting them during moments of distressing confusion. But Dr. Ted Johnson of Emory University has perhaps surprising advice for caregivers: try improv. Improvisation centers on the idea of “Yes, and…,” which means “accepting what has been offered and building on it” instead of correcting someone, Johnson writes. Learn a bit about improv’s history and Improving Care Through Improv training to discover how it can benefit patients with dementia.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

$8.8 billion

The amount of additional money that U.S. women spent out-of-pocket for prescription medications compared to men in 2024. Check out other mind-blowing findings from the new GoodRx report on the gender divide in prescription drugs.

PRN

CARING COLLECTIVELY WITH TOGATHER

Five Years Later: Who’s Caring for the Caregivers?

Five years post-lockdown, the shadow of COVID-19 still looms. But while pandemic trauma lingers, new collective traumas keep our nervous systems fried—from workplace violence to climate disasters and political upheaval. Many feel lost in the chaos, yet the response remains the same: collective care and action. 

As the world reflects on COVID-19’s fifth anniversary, let’s ask: What does real support for healthcare workers look like? Hint: It’s more than just pizza parties.

• Prioritizing Mental Health by implementing comprehensive mental health programs to support staff well-being. And if your work hasn’t done this, consider free peer support groups like Don’t Clock Out.

• Advocating for Policy Change by supporting legislation to improve working conditions and address injustices. Get involved politically through programs like Healing Politics.

• Fostering Community Support by joining organizations like Togather, where nurses, healthcare workers, and communities unite to navigate these challenges—because healing doesn't happen in isolation.

What's missing from this list? Your voice matters as we strive for collective healing and action.

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TODAY IN THE CHART

BREAK ROOM

Energize Me

Alani Nu fans will appreciate this funny badge reel!

SUPPLY ROOM

Workout for Nurses

Are you looking for exercises to spice up your workout routine? Check out this series that will boost your fitness both outside of work and on the floor, short-staffed edition.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

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